Unique Canadian Culinary Experiences

April 25, 2025

Aimee

From a food film fest to a butter tart crawl, a sugar shack in the woods and an island Eden…these are my top picks for unique Canadian culinary experiences from coast to coast to coast!

I’ve been fortunate enough to have eaten my way through every single province – and Yukon – in this vast country, a few times over.

This year, with the threats to our sovereignty, it feels like a good time to write an epic foodie bucket list highlighting food events, gourmet destinations and unique Canadian culinary experiences. And yes, I can attest to the caliber of everything in this post, as it’s written from personal experience.

One of the best butter tarts I’ve ever tasted was at a random general store in rural Nova Scotia; proof that you don’t need to book the biggest food festivals to experience a true taste of the North.

Unique Canadian Culinary Experiences from Yukon to Newfoundland

I’m a not a fan of long festival line ups for questionable eats under a hot tent with no breeze. Just because a major publication added some food fest to a listicle, doesn’t mean the event is worthy of your time and money.

My point is, as we lead up to Canada Day on July 1st, let me inspire you to taste our country in a different way. Sometimes a simple afternoon of foraging for berries can end up being a unique and memorable culinary experience.

This summer, Canadians are exploring their own country even more than usual. National parks and historic sites are free under the new Canada Strong Pass, and VIA Rail tickets are free for Canadians under 18. Get out and explore! In the comments below, let me know where you’re headed.

One last thing: in this post I’m covering unique Canadian culinary experiences centered around food, not drink. This isn’t wine tours, rum tastings or beer crawls, though those exist and I am a fan! (The Devour festival Bubbles Bus and I are good friends.)

Buckle up. Let’s go!

Yukon Territory

Sourdough bread from Alpine Bakery

Experience authentic sourdough from one the oldest food establishments in the Yukon Territories. Alpine Bakery is certified organic, supports environmental causes, and is a pillar in the community. Stock up here for picnic fare, just like I did as a child growing up in the wilds of Yukon.

Fishing on Lake Laberge

If you’re lucky you’ll catch a lake trout or Northern Pike. Cook it like we used to when I was a kid living on Lake Laberge: fry it up in butter over a bonfire on the shore of the lake. Pictured below: my siblings and I holding our fresh catch. I’m the tween on the left, blond, with the mullet.

Bonus: Giant cinnamon bun from Braeburn Lodge. My FEAST friends dubbed them a plate-sized, not-to-be missed culinary confection in Yukon. Fun fact: Braeburn Camp was my summer camp when I was a kid.

British Columbia

Salmon Fishing

Whether you’re sea fishing off the coast or wading into icy Skeena River, salmon fishing in beautiful British Columbia is an incredible experience. We typically spend the day on the river bed – kids and adults alike – and I’ll build a campfire to roast a Coho over the coals for lunch.

Hollyhock Resort and Retreat, Cortes Island

Any visit to the Discovery Islands turns into a culinary adventure, but Hollyhock is the pinnacle. A garden oasis, an oceanside retreat, a global leadership center – all with community at the heart. I’ve been fortunate to eat here many times, as my parents live nearby, and can attest that it is world famous for a reason.

Note: Visitors to Cortes Island can make reservations for any meal of the day; you do not need to be a guest of the resort.

BC Bonus: Eat at my two favourite Vancouver restaurants: St Lawrence and Maenam, both run by chefs I used to work with back in my Toque! days in Montreal.

Alberta

Carb-load on baked goods at Sidewalk Citizen

This Calgary institution uses many exquisit Canadian products, among them Prairie-grown Red Fife wheat. This bakery is a must every time I am in Calgary. It really is unparalled.

Ice Cream Crawl in Bridgeland

I’m more interested in the unique neighbourhoods of a city like Calgary rather than the tourist traps. In this case, the worthy pursuit of ice cream allows us to explore Bridgeland on foot.

Enjoy a flight of artisanal seasonal ice cream from Made by Marcus and try the soft serve from Luke’s Drug Mart on 4 ST NE. Stroll a block to Noto Gelato if you have any space left.

Saskatchewan

Celebrate all things Pulses

The arid Prairies are perfect for growing this drought-resistant crop. Canada is the world’s largest lentil producer and Saskatchewan produces 95% of those beauties such as Black Beluga and French Green. Order pulses when you dine out and stock up on lentil-based snacks for your road trip.

Top of the Hops

Although I haven’t yet been, I’m hearing great things about Top of the Hops beer & wine festival, celebrating grapes and grains.

I have a trip planned to Saskatchewan this summer for a Ukrainian family reunion and will update this post when I return.

Manitoba

Eat a Ukrainian feast

When I lived in Winnipeg as a toddler, my Baba’s house had the best Ukrainian feast; after all, Manitoba has the largest Ukrainian community in Canada.

You don’t have to look far to find a pierogy/varenkyi and other Ukrainian classics. Start with the Manioba Perogy Trail and let it take you to church suppers, farmers’ market stands and traditional Ukrainian deli’s like Sevala’s.

Grab a signature Fat Boy burger at Junior’s

This Winnipeg institution is where my hippie dad used to go when he and his art school friends got the munchies. It’s been making locals happy for over 60 years.

RAW: Almond

My friend Dan of Eat North speaks highly of this unique 21-day pop-up dinner on a frozen river featuring Canadian chefs working in community for the sheer love of the craft. Here’s a behind the scenes look at what to expect. Get on the list for 2026 with me!

Ontario

Shop a Farm Stand on the Niagara Peninsula

Ideally in August, when they are overflowing with stone fruit. Visit a u-pick and stock up on peaches for cooking and baking.

Food Crawl in Toronto’s Leslieville

The impressive Toronto food scene can be overwhelming. I like to immerse myself in a neighbourhood to get a real feel of the city.

Start on Gerrard St E near Greenwood Park (here the Leslieville open-air farmers’ market runs all summer) and stroll towards Coxwell Ave. If you find yourself at Eulalie’s Corner Store, you’ll be in good hands, especially if you get the lamb fries. Finish the day at Left Field Brewery for a pint and pick up a sweet treat from Soul Chocolate before you go.

ONTARIO BONUS: On my list of Culinary Travel Goals are both the Butter Tart Festival and the Butter Tart Tour! And if you can’t make those, try these homemade Maple Butter Tarts.

Québec

Not everyone can have dinner at Lesley Chesterman’s house, so here are a few more suggestions for the top gastronomical province in Canada. (yeah I said it)

Experience an authentic sugar shack

Cabane au Sucre Au Pied de Cochon and Cabine d’a Coté are at the top of the list, although any Quebec cabane au sucre is better than none. Feast on everything from baked beans to pork cretons; finish with tire d’erable or maple taffy on snow.

Curate a picnic from Marché Jean Talon

Welcome to Marché Jean Talon, my favourite market in the city. Curate your feast with a special focus on Quebec cheese from Fromagerie Hamel (try la Beta a Seguin and Pied-de-Vent), baguettes from Joe la Croute and gorgeous Quebec produce. Don’t miss Marché Des Saveurs Du Québec for your drinks and condiments. Experience the best ice cream in the city from Havre au Glaces.

New Brunswick

The Garden Cafe at Kingsbrae Gardens

On a remote peninsula in southern New Brunswick lies the adorable town of St Andrews by the Sea. Tucked away in the historic Kingsbrae Gardens, is the charming Garden Cafe and it’s bistro-style menu.

On this sunny patio, order the expertly executed lobster croissant and a salad composed of ingredients grown right on the grounds. Stroll the sculpture garden post-lunch and ask yourself you’re lucky enough to experience such a magical place.

A Taste of the Atlantic

A celebration of Indigenous food and culture, with events running all year long. A journey through food, as told by Indigenous chefs, plate by plate. This is on my bucket list for East Coast culinary events. Follow on Instagram for event announcements.

Prince Edward Island

PEI Shellfish Festival

All-you-can-eat oysters, live music, huge lobster suppers and intense chef’s culinary competitions. This rollicking East Coast culinary festival is one-of-a-kind!

Inn at Bay Fortune Fireworks Feast

Feast indeed! This East Coast culinary extravaganza spans five hours, begins in the garden, includes a lengthy happy hour with grazing canape stations before seating you at long tables for an onslaught of local, seasonal food. I’ve been in spring, when lobster is caught right off the dock, and in fall, when everything in the garden is peak. I can’t recommend either experience enough!

Nova Scotia

Devour: The Food Film Fest

Devour is Nova Scotia’s unparalleled food and film festival hosted in the most adorable small town of Wolfville. Get yourself there! Do the workshops. Attend the chef dinners. Ride the Bubbles Bus. Go on a foraging adventure. Make lifelong memories.

Nova Scotia Chowder Trail

I’ve shared the best places to eat in Nova Scotia, but if you can’t narrow it down, let the famous Chowder Trail be your guide. Our seafood is unparalleled; dig into our oysters, Digby scallops, fresh lobster and fried fish.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Mallard Cottage Brunch

One of Canada’s 100 Best restaurants, Mallard Cottage is a real gem in the heart of Quidi Vidi Village, a historic fishing community in St. John’s, NL.

I’ve said it before and I stand by my word: this is the best brunch in the country, and not just because they offer a laden cake table. I have the full menu framed in my house from my last visit: salt cod fishcakes were a highlight.

Forage for wild berries

This mostly involves renting a car and getting lost in the wilds of Newfoundland. PS. Pack snacks. Here’s the full story with many more photos.

Roots, Rants, Roars

Next up on my culinary travel bucket list. I’ve had many friends attend and they return with the best stories from this unique celebration of food, culture, land and sea on The Rock.

NWT and Nunavut

The only two territories I have not yet visited, but they are on my bucket list. Please share your recommendations in the comments. My goal is the NWT Culinary Festival; it looks epic!